This is the final report of a study which was conducted to determine the feasibility of electrically charging the fuel droplets from a conventional atomizer by means of a high-voltage electrode. This method of fuel injection was proposed to improve the uniformity of the fuel/air distribution in the combustion zone and, at the same time, reduce power requirements by eliminating the need to introduce turbulent air flows and the accompany large pressure drops. In the subject program, it was expected that a more uniform fuel/air distribution would result as the cloud of charged droplets tended to expand due to Coulomb forces. A three phase program, including initial feasibility testing, preliminary combustion testing and final combustion testing, was proposed to investigate the concept. Two nozzle configurations, both utilizing the principle of corona discharge, were designed and fabricated. The initial feasibility tests were performed but the results did not warrant further testing. The fuel was not sufficiently charged to affect distribution. The conclusion was that the droplets were moving too fast and their conductivity was too low for adequate charging to take place. Another effect was observed, however, which holds the promise of eventually being applicable to an electric nozzle. This ismore » the phenomenon in which a thin film of fuel, coating the surface of an electrode, builds up a charge and forms jets shooting off the surface. Further development utilizing this effect is recommended.« less